Using the unique nature of sports fandom, Yong Ja Hong has met with DPR Korea coaches, athletes, and officials in several different countries on numerous occasions. Through the experience, she has gained insight into how the government's international sport policy works, met a variety of insiders, and learned what it takes to gain trust. To learn more about this topic, the European Centre for North Korean Studies will be hosting a lecture describing the difficulties and the rewards of reaching out to one of the world's most guarded nations.
About the Speaker
Yong Ja Hong is a PhD candidate in North Korean society, culture and media at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. Her primary research area is athletics in the DPR Korea. She has been published academically in both English and Korean, has appeared in various capacities for major media outlets throughout the world, and operates her own YouTube channel, DPRK Athletics.